The NAFAKA program works with rural communities and the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture to analyze the local maize and rice value chains and develop a strategy to strengthen them. Increases in food availability, access and consumption are expected to ameliorate food insecurity and malnutrition in rural areas.

Overall, NAFAKA is:

Improving the competitiveness and productivity of maize and rice value chains

Facilitating improved domestic and regional trade

Expanding the depth and breadth of benefits from the growth of the maize and rice subsectors, including increased benefits to women and youth

Association strengthening is at the core of NAFAKA’s activities. Associations link individual farmers horizontally, allowing them to take advantage of economies of scale while providing a platform for engagement in commercial market activities. Additionally, on the project level, NAFAKA strengthens local partners to meet the demands of value chain actors. NAFAKA will provide these local entities with tailored trainings to strengthen the technical, administrative and financial capacity of the local service providers.

The NAFAKA project has nine subcontractors, each of whom bring value and experience to the team.